I loved this book! Really well written, loved the characters and felt like I was back in my fan fiction days (in the best way)

Gay/bi-discovery YA boyband romance with some serious subplots about addiction, industry abuse, and self-discovery.

I appreciated that, as a YA romance, the two 18-year-old protagonists were still clearly teens. As such, there was some messy-ness, insecurities, not acting mature and making mistakes. The way all of that was resolved was very impressive for the characters' age, to be honest, though I still enjoyed it.

What I enjoyed most about the book was the friendship between the boyband members. Even outside of Ruben and Zack's romance, the friendship between those two and Angel and John was wonderful. Their support and care was tangible the entire time, even when they were fighting, and I loved that they also tell each other "I love you"s.

While the romance of course was a central aspect of the book, the bigger plot around the band's tour and their (mis)management could get quite tense at times. There were one or two moments that were really hard to read. The relationship to the boys' parents were also quite stressful, and not always resolved.

There was a happy ending, and overall this was a fun read. Fans of boyband romance will definitely get their fill with this.

I absolutely love Sophie Gonzales’ writing and, man, she didn’t disappoint. I have to confess, that the premises were not my favourite, I’m not really into boy band romances, but this book is more than that.
I loved the characters: all of them (not just the protagonists) felt well-developed and never flat. During the story we discover their different backgrounds, their ambitions and personalities. I also felt that the relationships between the characters were the real motor of the story, with the result of a never boring of slow novel. The love story between Ruben and Zach is never superficial or rushed. There’s a steady progression from friendship to love, we read their struggles of figuring out their own identities and I really appreciate that the author doesn’t shy away from making them discuss real and heavy stuff.
However, the part that I found most interesting is the portrayal of the entertainment industry. The individual struggles of the characters due to the pressure of the fame and the abuses of the industry. How fans expect famous artists to always be the perfect representations of their fantasies, destroying them when they are not; how the artists are always required to “play” a role and never be themselves; how the companies, who are supposed to protect their artists, exploit and never support them in their struggles, but abuse, trap and manipulate them instead.
I really liked this book and I would absolutely recommend it.

This book was so much fun! I remember when it was announced (dudding it The Larry Book between friends) but hadn't yet gotten around to reading it. I loved Zack and Ruben's story, as well as the other boys from the band and it was the perfect book to close out 2024.
My only complaint is that I found both povs too similar. I listened to this on audiobook and had trouble differentiating between Zack and Ruben's voices.

The plot of this book is pretty simple but boy does it deliver!
I loved Zach and Ruben and even thou you only get their POV's you can still connect with the other characters in this book, which isn't always the case. I love when books are related to music somehow and being a massive One Direction fangirl it was so fun to read about the "backstage" (even if it isn't like this at all)!
One of the best things about this book was following their journeys - both Ruben's will to come out and his acceptance of himself and Zach's discovering of his own sexuality. I also loved how Ruben was super aware of Zach's feelings, always trying to make sure he wasn't asking for too much.
Overall I really liked the portrayal of their relationship and that combined with the musical background made this book a super fun read!

Loved If This Gets Out—Highly Recommend!

Wow. I absolutely adored If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich! It’s one of those books that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. The story follows Ruben and Zach, two members of a super popular boy band, as they navigate fame, friendship, and falling for each other—and it’s honestly so sweet and heartfelt.

What really stood out to me was how real their relationship felt. The romance is soft and tender, but it also doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of figuring out who you are and what you want. I found myself rooting for them so hard!

The book also does a great job of showing the not-so-glamorous side of fame. It dives into the pressure and expectations that come with being in the spotlight, and it felt super believable without being over-the-top dramatic. The friendships within the band were also a highlight for me—I loved how complicated and supportive they were all at the same time.

Overall, this book has so much heart. It’s emotional, fun, and leaves you with all the warm, fuzzy feelings. If you’re into books with music, love stories, and LGBTQ+ representation, definitely give this one a read! 🌟

When I first grabbed this one, I didn't know it was based on any boyband or any specific people - so I jumped in without any expectations.

What I got was a very sweet love story. The story juggles being famous and living up to those standards - and with agents and others around them forcing them to fit into certain boxes. But two in the band are slowly falling for each other and are forced to keep it from everyone. However, they each also struggle to get comfortable with coming out, with defining who they are, and how they think their friends and family will handle it.

But this story also delicately tackles other heavy topics. I thought it was a bit sweet, a bit long, but it really did handle so many tough things with sensitive and sweet loving hands and I appreciated the love story along with the topics it tackled. And these two getting giddy and silly with each other was so cute to read!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

The book explores themes of identity, secrecy, and the challenges of being true to oneself in a world that demands perfection. The authors do a fantastic job of creating relatable characters with emotional depth, and the romance is sweet and heartwarming. It’s a thoughtful and engaging read, especially for fans of contemporary YA romance with a twist of celebrity drama.

This was such a cute book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Find my review about 3/4 of the way into the added link.

I did overall love this book, I'm a bit sad I picked it up and then fell off of it for a while but as a mood reader I kind of go through that a lot. This had everything I wanted from a LGBT boyband book, and it wasn't super in your face about it either. It was REALISTIC and a fresh breath of air.

This book swept me in instantly. I loved the storytelling and the pace. It felt very in tune with Sophie Gonzales other books and did not disappoint one bit.

"If This Gets Out" by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich is a refreshing and heartfelt YA novel that hits all the right notes. Set against the backdrop of the music industry, this novel follows the lives of two rising pop stars, Ruben and Zach, as they navigate fame, friendship, and the complexities of their burgeoning romance.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its authentic portrayal of the music industry and the pressures faced by young artists thrust into the spotlight. Gonzales and Dietrich delve into the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry with insight and sensitivity, shedding light on the sacrifices and struggles that come with fame.

The characters in "If This Gets Out" are beautifully drawn and utterly relatable, each grappling with hopes, fears, and insecurities. Ruben and Zach's romance is sweet and poignant, as they navigate the challenges of being in the public eye while trying to stay true to themselves and their feelings for each other. What sets this novel apart is its exploration of identity and self-acceptance. Ruben and Zach's journey towards embracing their sexuality is portrayed with honesty and empathy, offering a much-needed representation of LGBTQ+ experiences in YA literature. The writing in "If This Gets Out" is engaging and evocative, pulling readers into the world of pop music with vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling. The pacing is brisk, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, "If This Gets Out" is a captivating and heartfelt novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Its authentic characters, engaging plot, and poignant exploration of identity and acceptance make it a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling YA romance with depth and substance.

This heartfelt novel explores the dark side of fame and the pressure to conform. We follow Ruben and Zach on their journeys of self-discovery, as they navigate the suffocating expectations of fame. The author's compassion shines through, creating characters you can't help but root for. While the story tackles the harsh realities of pressure and loss, it ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful and optimistic. By the end, you'll close the book with a smile, cheering for Ruben and Zach's path to authenticity.

Note: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks NetGalley for the preview!

This book was sweet! The dual main characters were interesting and well written. I love stories about bands and tour because it’s so different from daily life. I really enjoyed all of it!

This is so One Direction Larry Stylson coded OMG. I was not even a one direction fan back in the day but recently I got into that pairing and I love it. This was so good I literally think about it everyone once in a while. The romance and the slow burn is so good and their love against all odds

A book about closeted boyband members in a secret relationship?? I'm the target demographic for this book!

Ahh, I love If This Gets Out! Though there are distinct differences, the Larrie in me *wink wink* definitely saw the similarities. It felt like reading a fanfic because of that in a way?? and I am itching a bit to go on to AO3 and revisit my OG ship!

Ruben and Zach are members of the boyband Saturday. One of them has known he was gay, and the other is having a queer awakening. This thing is changing up their relationship as best friends, and the most crucial part is that it can change their dynamic as one of the biggest boybands in the world.

I always enjoy reading stories revolving around famous musicians. And that's not only because of the love story. I also am very fascinated on discussions about the industry and the price of fame.

All in all, I enjoyed the pacing of this story. I was thoroughly engaged. I loved how the happy ever after was not given that easily - and I just love Zach and Ruben - even John and Angel!! Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich definitely delivered!

5/5
as a Larry believer, I needed this so bad. two guys in a boy band falling in love?? this is how you do a queer romance. love dual pov so much and really enjoyed having both perspectives to read. a super specific trope I love is secret romance (now this is not a good kind of secret bc yk homophobia and all that) but the pining and secret glances are my fav. also Jon and Angel (my baes), for being side characters they are so much fun and just as lovable.

Unfortunately, I decided to review this book 3 YEARS after I read it. So, my memory of it is not the freshest.

I liked it! I think the plot was cute, the characters were cute, the whole book was just...cute. I love a good boyband/celebrity book and this one delivered on everything I expected from it.

I really enjoyed this exploration of fame, the pressure to be something you are not, and the journey that Ruben and Zach take to be true to themselves. It is written with compassion, and I really loved the main characters. While it was frustrating to read the pressure they were under, in the end, I closed the book with a smile on my face.

Catching up on reviews so... Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for access to this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is fine. I honestly think that my age made this not as enjoyable as it might be for other people. At times I was able to tap into my teenage self but overall I felt strange reading about teenagers. That will teach me to try to read YA romance. It's just not for me. HOWEVER, I can see how this would be a great read for the intended audience.